Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA has given assurance to stakeholders of a renewed commitment to addressing the issue of Sexual Violence, particularly by ensuring prevention of the menace in the State This assurance comes as the agency marks its ten years of unwavering efforts of responding to the case of Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Lagos. The symposium which was with the support of the Rule of Law and Anti corruption RoLAC, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, was organized to review the effectiveness of the Lagos State government’s efforts in the last decade to effectively address Sexual and Gender Based Violence SGBV. Speaking at a symposium in Lagos, themed ‘Are We Doing Enough? A Consideration of Lagos States Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in the Last Decade’, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi said that the event was organised to reflect on the progress made so far in tackling the scourge, note the challenges, and take prompt and proactive measures for the future. Vivour-Adeniyi while giving her speech noted that the issue of Domestic and sexual violence are crimes perpetrated behind closed doors which violate the fundamental rights of individuals and efforts must be geared towards breaking the culture of silence and create a safe and supportive environment for survivors. She stressed that in the last ten years, the state government has continued to demonstrate its commitment to combating all forms of sexual and gender-based violence through the enactment of relevant laws, formulation of policies and creation of institutions and this, she said the State will continue to foster on in the coming years. “Over the last 10 years, we have seen that we are gradually breaking the culture of silence and this is evident by the virtue of increase in formal and informal reporting of cases, as at last year, we provided services to over 6,333 survivors,and we now attend to about 300 new cases monthly. This is a testament to the fact that there is increased faith in the system, people are becoming more aware of support services that exist that they take advantage of and of course we also have people serving as mandated reporters, whistle blowers, now people see something, say something and ensure that something is done. “Lagos State, as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, faces unique challenges in addressing domestic and sexual violence. Our growing population and rapid urbanization have created pressures that can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. However, we are also a city with a strong tradition of community engagement and a commitment to social justice. “This symposium provides a valuable platform for us to discuss the root causes of domestic and sexual violence, explore effective prevention strategies, and enhance our response mechanisms. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, we can strengthen our collective efforts to combat these crimes and create a more just and compassionate society. “As we reflect on our achievements, we must also ask ourselves the difficult questions: Are we doing enough? What more can we do to ensure that every survivor of sexual and gender-based violence is heard, supported, and receives justice? How can we work together more effectively to prevent violence before it occurs?” she said She added that the goal of the symposium is to formulate actionable strategies that will enhance the State’s prevention and response to SGBV in the years to come. Keynote speaker at the event, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Department Services) University of Lagos, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa said that in the last 10 years, the agency has evolved and delivered on its mandate to protect the vulnerable particularly women and children who are being abused. Atsenuwa who highlighted some of the initiatives of the agency towards ensuring adequate enlightenment of the residents on the menace, acknowledged the critical role played by women in the past to engender the right to be protected, stressing that the state government’s interventions had raised the bar of understanding of the problems and solutions were proffered. She however called for the sustainability of the system by expanding its capacity that will be hinged on government and public collaborations. Panelists at the symposium lauded the strides of the state government in the last ten years to reduce the cases of domestic violence, while calling for the increase in funding and logistics for the stakeholders to carry out proper investigations. They also seek localisation of DSVA activities at the local communities, raise more public awareness and ensure there is community accountability model where all stratas in the community are accountable to the the idea of issues of domestic and sexual violence, as this according to them, it will enable the system run efficiently in order to cater for the survivors of the Sexual and Gender based violence cases in Lagos State. Also at the events we’re not able guests which included the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba who was represented by Hon Justice H.O. Oshodi. The AIG Adegoke Fayoade Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa of Rolac/IIdea and Mrs Kemi DaSilva Ibru, founder Women at risk International Foundation Highlights of the Symposium were Panelists Discuss on the various strides needed for the propagation of the quest to rid the State of all forms of abuse and Domestic Violence. The Panelists include Mrs Adenike Oluwafemi, Deputy Director, Directorate of Public Prosecution, Dr. Richard Somiari, Center Director Lagos State DNA & Forensic Centre, Mrs Itoro Eze-Anaba, founder of Mirabel Centre, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, CSP Oluwatoyin Adebola Kazeem, Officer in Charge, Gender Desk, Lagos State Police Command. The Moderator was Mrs Bose Ironsi.
